Trip to Hanley / Crewe 09-10-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
170	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	D&G Bus
63171	Hanley BS	Crewe BS	3	First Potteries
63171	Crewe BS	Hanley BS	3	First Potteries
44514	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Crewe on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst in the room we saw First Potteries 67181 on a #11 to Newcastle. Matthew chilled out in his room until dinner time. For dinner Matthew had beans on toast followed by cake. We went downstairs and we cut through onto City Road. We walked to the stop opposite the flats. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. A short time later we saw D&G Bus 170 on a #23 to Hanley.

D&G Bus 170 in Fenton

We got on the bus and booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we joined the A52 and ran under the railway line. After crossing over the A500 we ran into Stoke town centre along Church Street. We followed the one-way system around onto Elenora Street and right onto Copeland Street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we ran under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. After stopping briefly outside the railway station we turned right onto College Road and we ran up the hill through Shelton. We continued onto Cleveland Road and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we continued along Bethesda Street before turning right onto John Street. We ran up the hill into the bus station and onto stand. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. In the bus station we saw First Potteries 67141 on a #3A to Clough Hall. We waited for a bus to Crewe. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63171 on a #3 to Crewe.

First Potteries 63171 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Crewe before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station and onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we went straight across onto Marsh Street. We turned right up onto Trinity Street and we went past the former RBS now a new shop. We turned left onto Stafford Street. After picking up more passenger outside of Debenhams we followed the road around to the left and then back onto marsh Street. At the roundabout we went straight on onto Waterloo Road and we ran up the hill into Cobridge. We continued into Burslem and through the traffic lights onto Scotia Road. We went past the old Burslem PMT garage and we followed the road around to the left onto Williamson Street. At the corner we turned right onto Tunstall High Street and we continued North onto the A50. We ran through Goldenhill and down the bank into Kidsgrove. We ran under the railway line into Cheshire and we crossed over the A34. We continued into Church Lawton and then into Alsager. We continued Westwards along the B5077 under the M6 and into Radway Green. We followed the road to the right up Slaughter hill and we continued straight up into Haslington. We turned left onto Crewe Road and we re-joined the B5077 towards Crewe Green. We crossed over the roundabout onto the Westbound A534 and we ran towards Crewe railway station. We past the railway station and we continued for around 1/2 mile before turning right into Edlestone Road. We ran into town crossing over the railway line and forwards onto Chester Bridge. We followed the road around onto Delamere Street and we turned right into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw Arriva NW&W 2934 on a #84 to Chester. We waited for the next bus back to Hanley. Matthew ate his Frazzles, cadbury's Snack and a can of Coke. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63171 on a #3 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto Delamere Street and we followed the road around onto Chester Bridge. We ran forwards onto Edleston Road and we turned left onto the A534. We ran past the railway station and we continued up towards Haslington along the B5077. We turned right onto Slaughter Hill and we ran back through Radway Green and into Alsager. We continued over the A34 and into Staffordshire and we ran under the railway line into Kidsgrove. We ran up the hill into Goldenhill and we continued into Sandyford. We joined Tunstall High Street where we saw City Centre Central PO14 OKZ in the depot. We continued down the High Street and we ran through the town centre and joined Scotia Road near to Asda. We ran up into Burslem and we continued along the A50 into Cobridge. We ran down the hill to the edge of Hanley and we went around the ring road to Town Road and we ran into Hanley. We ran down Quadrant Road and forwards onto Stafford Street. We ran across the shared space past the town hall and onto Bagnall Street. We ran forwards into the bus station. We got off the bus and we waited for a bus back to Fenton. As we walked through the bus station we saw First Potteries 67175 on layover. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 44514 on a #6 to Coalville.

First Potteries 44514 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 44514 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 44514

We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. One off the bus we set off on foot onto City Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window before going out later on. For tea Matthew had chicken and potatoes. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. Later on Matthew went out. We went downstairs and we and we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and we ran down the hill into Stoke. We ran under the railway line and we crossed over the A500. we ran around the one-way system onto Lonsdale Street and we followed the road to the right onto Fleming Road. We turned right onto Campbell Place and we rejoined Church Street. We ran forwards onto Hartshill Road and we went up the hill into Hartshill. We turned left into Newcastle and we stopped at the pub on the end of George Street. Matthew had a glass of Coke. when he had finished he returned to Fenton by car. We set off onto George Street and we ran forwards onto Hartshill Road. we ran through Hartshill and we went down the hill into Stoke. We ran down to Stoke and onto the one way system. We turned right onto Elenora Street and we followed the road around onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 onto City Road and we went under the railway line. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to Matthew's room to chill out. He used his computer and watched music videos on the Television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 02-01-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67152	Fenton, adj Royal Oak	Stoke, Adj stop Q	23	First Potteries
65731	Stoke, Adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
67657	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, Adj Stop A	99	First Potteries
65729	Tunstall, Adj Stop M	Crewe BS	3	First Potteries
2934	Crewe BS	Congleton BS	38	Arriva NW&W
49	Congleton BS	Biddulph BS	94	D&G Bus
63178	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also to do a local trip. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Also seen was First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67156 in Fenton

we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. After a short wait we saw First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked a Network Day ticket at £7.50. We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked along Church Street to Stoke Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and I ordered the food. For dinner Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating we set off onto Church Street and we waited at the bus stop for a bus to Newcastle. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 65731 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran the mile or so up to Hartshill and to the top of Newcastle. We descended down George Street into Newcastle and we turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road. We turned into the bus station and We got off the bus and we sat on the bench at the bottom of the bus station whilst we decided what we were going to do next. A few minutes later we saw required Arriva Midlands 3697 on a #164 to Market Drayton. As we contemplated doing a bus to Tunstall. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67657 on a #99 to Chell Heath. We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee roundabout onto the A527 and headed through Wolstanton. As we travelled North up the road we passed First Potteries 67154 on a #99 to Newcastle. We turned right onto Porthill Bank and we we went down the hill and over the A500. We went through Middleport and at Trubshaw Cross we went left onto Brownhills Road. We joined Tunstall High Street and at the top of the Road we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked to Tunstall Park. We crossed over the road and we walked down the path onto The Blvd. We crossed over Victoria Park Road. We walked around Tunstall Park for a while. We walk northwards through the park and into the North West corner to the sensory play area. We walked through the park and Matthew went to the toilet and went to the cafe and Matthew had a can of Coke. After spending a while there we walked back to the South East corner of the park. We returned back into Victoria Park Road and we turned right onto The Blvd and right onto High Street. We waited for the next Crewe bus. A short time later we saw First Potteries 65729 on a #3 to Crewe. We got on the bus and we flashed the Network Day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off High Street. and we continued North onto the A50. We ran through Goldenhill and down the bank into Kidsgrove. We ran under the railway line and we passed the site of the new Lidl being built. into Cheshire and we crossed over the A34. We continued into Church Lawton and then into Alsager. We continued Westwards along the B5077 under the M6 and into Radway Green. We followed the road to the right up Slaughter hill and we continued straight up into Haslington. We turned left onto Crewe Road and we re-joined the B5077 towards Crewe Green. We crossed over the roundabout onto the Westbound A534 and we ran towards Crewe railway station. We past the railway station where we saw Arriva NW&W 2951 on a #38 to Macclesfield. We continued for around 1/2 mile before turning right into Edlestone Road. We ran into town crossing over the railway line and forwards onto Chester Bridge. We followed the road around onto Delamere Street and we turned right into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw Arriva NW&W 2501 on a #31 to Northwich. We walked into the main station and we saw Arriva NW&W 2934 on a #38 to Macclesfield. we got the bus bus ready for service. We got on and we brought Arriva Day Saver tickets at £5.50 each before we sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Delamere Street. We followed the road around to the right onto Chester Bridge and we crossed the railway line and onto Edleston Road where we saw Arriva NW&W 2933 on a #38 to Crewe. At the end of the long straight road we turned left onto the A534 and we ran past the railway station ans past B&Q. The bus emptied a little and Matthew to a picture of the empty seat adjacent to us inside Arriva NW&W 2934.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2934

We traveled Eastwards along Crewe Road. We went through Haslington and Winterley and further North through Wheelock Heath. We crossed the A534 and we ran through Wheelock. We ran over the canal and into Sandbach town center past Sandbach School. When we got to the Common onto Congleton Road. We joined the A534 and past the site of the new development by the M6. We continued along the A534 and we crossed over the M6 and into Arclid. We carried on through Medhurst Green and we crossed over the Wall Hill roundabouts. On the edge of Congleton we joined the A34 and we ran East along the road for a short while before going onto West Street. We entered town along Antrobus Street, Mill Street and Mountbatten Way. We turned right into Market Street, past the Bear Grills cafe and into the bus station. We got off the bus. We walked up to the top end of the bus station and Matthew visited the toilet. Afterwards we continued up Market Street and we turned right on to Bridge Street. We stopped at B&M and we brought a bottle of Coke, some chocolate bars and a cup of pick and mix sweets. We walked along Bridge Street and left onto Market Street and back to the bus station. We sat in one of the bus stops and Matthew ate a couple of fun sized Milky Way bars. Whilst we were eating we saw D&G Bus 49 on a #94 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we brought singles at £2.20 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Market Street and we turned right into High Street. We continued onto Lawton Street. We turned right onto the A527 and we ran out of town past Congleton railway station. We ran through Mossley and White More and into Biddulph. We set off along the by-pass before turning right into Wharf Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we used the toilet and turned the corner onto the High Street. We walked down to the kebab shop and we ordered some food. We picked up a couple of portions of fries and a can of Vimto and we returned onto Wharf Road. We returned to the bus stop to eat the fries. After we had eaten we had around 10 minutes to wait for the next #7A to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63178 on a #7A to Hanley. We got on the bus and we flashed the First Network Day ticket to the driver for the final time today. we sat down. The bus set off onto the High Street and we turned left at the roundabout onto St John's Road. We ran around the estate and we crossed over the A527 at Knypersley. We ran through Brown Lees and we rejoined the A527 by the industrial estate. We ran down through Brindley Ford and to Fegg Hayes. We ran up the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran back through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green into Hanley. The bus came in through Quadrant Road and forwards onto Stafford Street. We ran past the town hall and we ran along Bagnall Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and we spotted First Potteries 65031 on a #101 to Stafford. We visited the toilet and afterwards we left the bus station and we crossed Lichfield Street. We walked along Birch Terrace and we met up with mum and her friend. We got in the car and Matthew had a can of Coke. We set off along Birch Terrace and we turned left onto Lichfield Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down Lichfield Street and into joiners Square. We crossed over the onto Victoria Road. Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the roundabout we turned sharp right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and we went to his room and chilled out. We went upstairs and Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. For a late tea Matthew had a toast and cheese with chips. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Crewe / Congleton 31-08-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
708	Crewe BS	Congleton BS	38	Arriva NW&W
MX05 OUC	Congleton BS	Buglawton, Co-op	92	Hollinshead Coaches
MX05 OUC	Buglawton, Co-op	Congleton BS	92	Hollinshead Coaches
708	Congleton BS	Crewe BS	38	Arriva NW&W

Today Matthew decided to revisit Crewe after he saw the new bus station. There are also changes to bus service from the 1st September. Research consisted of download some of the bus timetables in the Crewe and North Staffordshire area. We also checked the weather which was for mainly dry and sunny with occasional showers. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had crumpets and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:30 and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and left onto Blurton Road. we ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross. We turned left onto the A50 and we ran Westwards towards Sideway. At the roundabout we and we saw white minibus DS65 UEJ. We turned right onto the Northbound A500. As we ran Northwards we saw First Potteries 65731 running out of service, Z Carz HK57 LFY, Scraggs 6626 VT, West Midlands Ambulance Service YJ16 GLK. We went under the M6 and we continued towards Nantwich. We turned right onto David Whitby Way and we ran towards Crewe. We turned left onto the A532 and we turned into the Crewe Truck stop. The truck stop was closed so we continued into town. We ran up to the main roundabout and we turned left onto the A534. We turned right onto Eddleston Road and we saw Arriva NW&W 2934 on a #84 to Chester. Due to work on the Chester Bridge there was a diversion into town. We turned left onto Wistatston Road. We turned right onto Flag Lane and we ran forwards onto Hightown. I followed the Sat-nav instead of the Sat-nag and I went forwards onto Broad Street. We turned right onto Meredith Street and we came to a dead end on the wrong side of the A532. After turning around we turned left onto the A532 and right into the car park at Asda. We parked up and we walked over to Victoria Street. We went to the chip shop cafe on the corner and Matthew used the toilet. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gracy with bread and butter washed down with a glass of Pepsi. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we walked over to the bus station. We saw a few buses parked up on layover. Opposite was Arriva NW&W 4173 parked up.

Arriva NW&W 4173 in Crewe bus station

We waited around for something to catch. We saw Arriva NW&W 2931 on a #31 to Northwich.

Arriva NW&W 2931 in Crewe bus station

After a short while we saw Arriva NW&W 708 on a #38 to Macclesfield.

Arriva NW&W 708 in Crewe bus station

Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw First Potteries 67655 on a #3 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67655 in Crewe bus station

We got on the bus and we booked Arriva NW&W Day Savers at £5.50 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Delamere Street. We followed the road around to the right onto Chester Bridge past the site of the up and coming Little Dessert Shop. We crossed the railway line and onto Edleston Road. At the end of the long straight road we turned left onto the A534 and we ran past the railway station ans past B&Q. We traveled Eastwards along Crewe Road. We went through Haslington and Winterley and further North through Wheelock Heath. We crossed the A534 and we ran through Wheelock. We ran over the canal and into Sandbach town center past Sandbach School. When we got to the Common onto Congleton Road. We joined the A534 and we crossed over the M6 and into open countryside. and we crossed over the Arclid crossroads. On the edge of Congleton we joined the A34 and we ran East along the road for a short while before going onto West Street. We entered town along Antrobus Street, Mill Street and Mountbatten Way. We turned right into Market Street, past the Bear Grills cafe and into the bus station. We got off the bus and we took another picture of Arriva NW&W 708 before it carried on towards Macclesfield.

Arriva NW&W 708 in Congleton bus station

Once off the bus we walked down onto Mountbatten Way. We turned right onto Kinsey Street and at the top of the road we went into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards Matthew had a glass of Coke. After we had finished we walked along Lawton Street and forwards onto High Street. As we considered going down Market Street as we waited to cross we saw Hollinshead Coaches SN66 WKZ on a #90 Bromley estate circular.

Hollinshead Coaches SN66 WKZ in Congleton

As we were about to cross the road we saw a white Solo arrive in the bus station. We went to investigate and we saw Hollinshead Coaches MX05 OUC on a #92 Buglawton circular.

Hollinshead Coaches MX05 OUC in Congleton bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on and we booked singles at £1.50 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. When it was time we set off up Market Street and we turned left onto High Street. We continued onto Lawton Street and we turned left onto Mountbatten Way. At the roundabout we Northwards up the A54 and we ran out of town for about half a mile. We turned left onto St Johns Road and we ran into the Buglawton estate. We turned left onto Wharfdale Road and right onto Harvey Road. At the end we turned right onto St Johns Road and we started heading back towards Congleton. We turned right onto the Southbound A54 and we ran into the town centre. WE turned right onto Mountbatten Way and we entered the bus station from the North End. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Hollinshead Coaches MX05 OUC.

Inside Hollinshead Coaches MX05 OUC

Once off the bus we walked past Bear Grills cafe into the car park and we saw black minibus YJ68 AVW.

YJ68 AVW in Congleton

We had around 1/2 hours for the bus bak towards Crewe so we had a walk around town. We went up Market Street and we turned right onto Bridge Street. Matthew took a photo of the old RBS bank which has yet to find a new use. We continued along Bridge Street and we turned right onto Mill Street. We walked across the car park and we went near to the back of Morrisons. We crossed Stonehouse Green and we walked up the back of the market and through the pedestrianised arcade onto Bridge Street. We turned left onto Bridge Street and we visited WH Smith. We brought a couple of bottle of soft drinks and 3 chocolate bars. We walked onto Walked Street and Matthew visited the toilet at the top end of the bus station. We returned to the bus stop and Matthew ate a Bounty. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As expected it was Arriva NW&W 708 on a #38 to Crewe.

Arriva NW&W 708 in Congleton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva NW&W Day Saver ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto market Street and we ran down the hill onto Mountbatten Way. We turned left onto Mill Street and we climbed the hill, turning right onto West Street. At the roundabout we went straight onto the A34 and at the following junction we went straight ahead onto the A534. We went out of town through West Heath and then out into open countryside. We crossed the A50 at the Arclid crossroads. On the west side of the M6 we left the A534 and turned right onto Congleton Road and we ran into Sandbach Common where we saw Arriva NW&W 2931 on a #37A to Northwich. After a brief stop we continued on our journey. After a brief stop we went Westwards out of the town onto Crewe Road and through Wheelock. We crossed the A534 and we ran through Wheelock Heath and Winterly, passed the pond. We continued into Haslington and turned left onto Crewe Road and we re-joined the B5077 towards Crewe Green. We crossed over the roundabout onto the Westbound A534 and we ran towards Crewe railway station. We past the railway station and we continued for around 1/2 mile before turning right into Edlestone Road. We ran into town crossing over the railway line. Due to Chester Bridge being closed in one direct we turned right onto the A5078 and we ran forwards onto the A5019. We turned left Earle Street and left onto Prince Albert Street. We turned right onto Chester Street and right onto Market Street. We followed the road around onto Delamere Street and we turned right into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked onto Victoria Street and we saw Arriva NW&W 4410 on a #31 to Northwich.

Arriva NW&W 4410 in Crewe

We headed back to the car and we met up with mum who had left her car keys back at home. She was waiting with sausage rols and a bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We got in the car and we set off onto the Eastbound A532 and we turned right onto Vernon Way. We turned left onto Earle Street and we continued onto Manchester Bridge. We turned right onto Macon Way and we we crossed over the roundabout onto Weston Road. We turned right onto David Whitby Way and left onto the A500. We ran under the M6 and as we continued South we came to an incident on the road and the road narrowed to a single lane. We saw Adams Travel EG16 FYD as we waited to merge into the other Lane.

Adams Travel EG16 FYD on A500

We passed the broken down vehicle and we passed Bullocks RB11 BUL, Alfa 72, Terry Bushell A13 TBT, and unidentified National Express liveried coach (#540), MT Travel HK58 ECV, an unidentified white minibus and an unidentified grey coach as we travelled Southwards. We turned left onto the A50 and we saw Alfa 109. As we were coming off the A50 at Longton Matthew took a picture of Terry Bushell A13 TBT.

Terry Bushell A13 TBT on A50

we came off the A50 at Longton and we headed to Z Carz to see what was parked up in the compound on Willow Row. We saw Z Carz Citroen minibus LV59 DZC.

Z Carz LV59 DZC in Longton

Also seen was Z Carz Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

Another vehicle seen was Z Carz Mercedes minibus KE03 JXC.

Z Carz KE03 JXC in Longton

We turned around and headed back onto Edensor Road and we saw Lucky Seven KE54 ARM.

Lucky Seven KE54 ARM in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we went Westwards to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We ran forwards onto Church Street and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:15. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a slice of red velvet cake. We spent time doing the e-mails and doing the Blog. We chilled out on the computer and watching telly until 01:00... Mark